DATE=4/25/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=NORTH KOREA/U-S (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-275310

BYLINE=HYUN-SUNG KHANG

DATELINE=SEOUL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: North Korea has warned Washington's tougher policy towards Pyongyang could heighten tensions on the divided Korean Peninsula. The comments were made by a leading North Korean military official, who says his government would retaliate, if Washington chooses confrontation. Hyun-Sung Khang reports from the South Korean capital, Seoul.

TEXT: The chief of the general staff of the North Korean Army, Kim Yong-Chun, says the U-S Administration is replacing inter-Korean reconciliation efforts with a state of confrontation.

Speaking to military and Communist party officials Wednesday, General Kim denounced what he describes as "the reckless provocations and aggressive moves" of the new Bush Administration in Washington. He warned that - if the United States wants confrontation - the North Korean Army will deal what he calls "a great blow" in retaliation.

The comments came at a meeting to mark the founding of the North Korean Army.

Relations between the United States and North Korea have come under strain since President Bush came into office in January. He has expressed skepticism about North Korea's intentions and has said there would be no immediate resumption of talks on Pyongyang's missile program - begun by his predecessor, President Bill Clinton.

North Korea has stepped up its rhetoric against Washington in recent weeks.

There are fears deteriorating relations between Pyongyang and Washington could damage inter-Korean peace efforts. Since the unprecedented summit between the leaders of the two Korea's last June, relations between North and South Korea have improved, rapidly. But the pace of reconciliation has slowed, in recent months.

The Korean Peninsula was divided into the Communist north and pro-western south in 1945. The Korean War, from 1950 to 1953, ended in an armistice. No peace treaty was ever signed.

About 37 thousand U-S troops are stationed in South Korea. (signed)

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